Dinner

Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe

Name: Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 1 teaspoon oregano; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 lemon (juice and zest); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 4 scallions (white and green parts); 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange); 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives (drained); 1 English cucumber; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Bylilan Sage July 19, 2026July 19, 2026

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Introduction

This Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish packed with bright flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, it combines tangy lemon, crisp vegetables, and salty feta for a truly satisfying experience.

A large bowl filled with a colorful quinoa salad showing three main layers: a base layer of cooked white, red, and black quinoa grains mixed evenly, topped with bright chopped vegetables including green cucumber slices, red and yellow bell pepper pieces, and black olive halves, and finally sprinkled with crumbly white feta cheese and garnished with fresh green herb leaves on top. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl, which sits on a white marbled surface surrounded by halved lemons, small bowls of seasoning, and a clear glass with fresh green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
1 lemon
1 teaspoon oregano
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 scallions (white and green parts)
2 bell peppers (red, yellow or orange)
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives (drained)
1 English cucumber
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the quinoa well under cold running water. Cook it according to package instructions until tender.
Step 2: While the quinoa cooks, prepare the dressing by adding the juice and zest of the lemon to a serving bowl. Add oregano, salt, and pepper, then whisk in the olive oil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Once the quinoa is cooked, transfer it to the bowl with the dressing. Stir to coat evenly and let it absorb the lemon dressing. Allow the quinoa to cool completely before adding the vegetables.
Step 4: Chop the scallions (white and green parts), bell peppers, olives (breaking into smaller pieces), and the cucumber (sliced into quarters then thinly sliced). Add the vegetables to the quinoa and stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Finish by sprinkling the crumbled feta cheese on top. Optionally, garnish with fresh oregano leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken.
Substitute fresh oregano with dried if needed, but use less as it is more concentrated.
Use red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice for a different tangy twist.
Chill the salad for an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld even more.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature and makes great leftovers.

How to Serve

A large round light brown bowl is filled with a colorful quinoa salad showing many small layers: grains of cooked quinoa form the base, mixed with chopped cucumbers in green tones, diced red and yellow bell peppers, and sliced black olives scattered throughout. White crumbles of cheese are spread on top, along with fresh green herb leaves for garnish. A wooden serving spoon rests on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a white cloth with yellow stripes in the top left corner, small bowls containing cheese and spices nearby, and some loose herb leaves on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular olives instead of Kalamata?

Yes, you can substitute Kalamata olives with any black or green olives you prefer. Just drain them well and chop into smaller pieces for even distribution.

Is it necessary to rinse quinoa before cooking?

Rinsing quinoa removes its natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter. For the best flavor, it’s recommended to rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water before cooking.